They may look like plants or rocks, but corals are actually living creatures. Coral reefs support more than a quarter of all marine life and, in turn, billions of humans. Often called “rainforests of the sea” for their biodiversity, coral reefs are being depleted at twice the rate of tropical rainforests. Pollution and overfishing pose considerable threats, as does coral harvesting for jewelry and accessories. A number of jewelry designers have pledged to create coral-free pieces that are inspired by the tiny species; these elegant, wearable designs promote coral conservation by capturing the substance’s unique beauty without using the real thing.